[Use of nasal cannula to induce positive expiratory pressure in neonatology]

A 6 years experience of the use of a CPAP nasal cannula is reported. In children over 1,500 g and Silverman's index less than or equal to 6, the indications for this technique were neonatal idiopathic respiratory distress (excluding stage 4), transitory respiratory distress, cesarean lungs and amniotic inhalation of clear fluid after aspiration and physiotherapy. In children under 1,500 g, it was used only when Silverman's index was less than or equal to 5, and when correct hemodynamic, thermal and metabolic status were present. In 91 treated children, the use of the cannula avoided intubation 75 times and had few complications. The innocuousness of the method makes it a routine technique in all cases at the onset of respiratory distress, reducing the need for intubations. It was found to be an efficient complement for the relay after mechanical ventilation.